Jan Williams

Jan Williams was born on Valentines Day, February 14, 1944, in Gordon County, daughter of the late Gaines Olsen Prater and Willie Bill Smith Prater. Her identical twin sister Joan was born a few minutes later. Jan grew up in Calhoun, Georgia and shared many wonderful memories with her parents, brother Jimmy, late brother Fred and twin sister Joan. Jan graduated from Calhoun High School in 1962 and attended the University of West Georgia. After graduating from West Georgia with an education degree, Jan moved to Atlanta and was a teacher in Dekalb County. She married Alan Pilling in 1970 and moved to Marietta. She gave birth to her son Ian Gaines Pilling in March of 1973. After Ian was born, Jan received a master's degree in counseling and worked for many years at Lassiter High School as a guidance counselor. In 1993, Jan moved to Savannah and married the late Dr. Jim Williams. They spent many wonderful years together on the Vernon River in Savannah. After Jim's death, Jan moved back to Marietta and worked for several years as a guidance counselor at Sprayberry High School. She eventually retired so she could devote time to her two grandchildren, Joseph Gaines Pilling and Charles Jackson Pilling. Her grandsons called her Gigi and she loved to spoil them. Jan was a beautiful woman who had a great sense of humor and positive outlook on everything. She was an amazing mother, grandmother, and friend. She loved animals, gardening, reading, going to the movies, and spending time with family and friends. Jan was beloved by all who knew her but especially by her son Ian, his wife Sara and grandsons Joe and Charlie. The family will accept visitors on May 24, 2023, from 5-7pm at Mayes Ward Dobbins Funeral Home in Marietta. A celebration of her life will take place at Marietta First United Methodist Church at 11am on May 25, 2023, with a reception immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, family and friends may remember Jan by donating to MUST Ministries of Marietta.